The programme was launched at the 2016 Sage Business Partner Conference, under way at the Sandton Convention Centre.

The company - which last year said it maintained a double-digit growth financial performance in its African operations - says it has rolled out the global foundation to set a new benchmark for corporate partnerships through its 2+2+2 model for working with the community.

Under this model, Sage says it is committed to giving 2% of employee time (five days paid volunteering per year), 2% of free cash flow, and two donated software licences to eligible registered charities, social enterprises and non-profit organisations. Throughout the year, the foundation will go live in all of the 23 countries in which Sage operates.

"By consolidating our work to support charities, social enterprises and non-profit organisations under the banner of the foundation, we can achieve the scale to make a difference in the lives of millions of people around Africa," says Ivan Epstein, chairman of Sage Foundation and president of Sage International.

"The Sage Foundation is committed to transforming lives by investing our time, money, expertise and technology to create sustainable social and economic opportunity in our local communities around the world. We are passionate about people and helping those who live along side us; it's our privilege and honour to serve them," he adds.

Epstein and Stephen Kelly, CEO of Sage, yesterday visited the Little Rose Children's Centre in Kliptown, Soweto, to inaugurate the Sage Foundation Library. This project is the first major initiative for the Sage Foundation in Africa and sees the Sage Foundation create a safe study facility for the centre's children and community members.

"Lots of Sage employees are already involved in volunteering and grant programmes - we're extending and building on this," says Epstein. "Our team is excited to be part of the Little Rose project, which strives to build a better future for children excluded from good educational opportunities. We hope the Sage Foundation Library will give the Kliptown children a safe facility where they can study."

"We believe in a socially-responsible world and Sage playing a positive role in communities. For us this is the right way to do business. I am proud to see our colleagues in Africa embrace the spirit of Sage Foundation so enthusiastically by supporting this important project." Kelly concludes.